valve adjust not working :(

[Grimly]

I have the tool and have used it....and hate it. PIA as 'Sconsin said. Zip tie is much easier.

Ditto. I even bought the proper tool, after discovering they had come down a lot in price (they used to be only available from some specialist sources at outrageous prices) but there's a severe design flaw in it, which makes the zip-tie method much more reliable and simply easier.

[jsandidge]

I'll have to try the zip tie method next time. The tool really is a pita.

[Rijko]

I have tried 2 non-OEM tools because of the outrageous prices of
the OEM ones and found them not hardened enough.
They wore/damaged quickly and then slipped off, PIA indeed.

Found a OEM 2nd hand one and never had that issue again.
Love the original tool.

[Steve]

I'll have to try the zip tie method next time. The tool really is a pita.

I was in your neck of the woods last weekend, I could have shown you how to do it.

.

[Wingsconsin]

Just sayin' ....

I am due for another valve shim check soonish --
I will make an effort to try the Zip tie thing (again) -
IF it works for me - I will state as such publicly -- however I am getting pretty good at making that stupid tool work too...

[2BRacing]

I have tried 2 non-OEM tools because of the outrageous prices of
the OEM ones and found them not hardened enough.
They wore/damaged quickly and then slipped off, PIA indeed.

Found a OEM 2nd hand one and never had that issue again.
Love the original tool.

I have the genuine OEM tool (black in colour, not silver) and have used it multiple times on 650 and 850 motors over the past 38 years, without it EVER slipping off. I can only assume that the dimensions and/or shape of the non-genuine tool must be ever so slightly "different", allowing it to slip off.

[TeamDar]

I have the genuine OEM tool (black in colour, not silver) and have used it multiple times on 650 and 850 motors over the past 38 years, without it EVER slipping off. I can only assume that the dimensions and/or shape of the non-genuine tool must be ever so slightly "different", allowing it to slip off.

This is the key! You need the factory tool. I have never had one slip off and I worked as a service technician at a Suzuki dealership 30 years ago when I did several valve adjustments a week. The proper tool and the proper procedure will have good results. If you would rather stick zip ties in your cylinders then do it that way. Then again, I know how to use screw extractors and helicoils without mucking up. Dar

[timebombprod]

i now swear by the ziptie method

[jsandidge]

I was in your neck of the woods last weekend, I could have shown you how to do it.

.

It would have been nice to see you again.

[Steve]

Thanks. It was a quick in-and-out for a funeral, so there wasn't a lot of time to socialize.

.

[Brendan W]

The factory tool is a jack.
The zip tie is an axle stand.

[ddaniels]

The factory tool is a jack.
The zip tie is an axle stand.

Excellent description. My tool is silver so I guess I have an aftermarket one.